Two smiling women pose together. The older woman wears glasses and a beige outfit, while the younger woman holds black forearm crutches in both hands and spreads her arms wide, standing in front of a blue background.

Juli Magnusson

Graduate, Guillain-Barré syndrome Rehabilitation Program

  • Connection

About the portrait

Self-Titled

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

Photographer

Nick Lewis

About Juli

Juli Magnuson, a graphic designer and business owner, experienced a life-changing moment in 2024 when she woke up completely paralyzed except for her eye movement, later diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Suddenly facing this overwhelming challenge, Julie began a long journey of recovery at Shepherd Center, where she found the right medical professionals at every stage who supported her progress with expertise and compassion.

Her portrait, inspired by the Beatles’ “I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends,” features four key therapists representing the teamwork behind her rehabilitation. Juli hopes her story encourages other GBS patients to be patient and trust the process.

At first, accepting help was difficult, but Juli has grown more compassionate and understanding — realizing accepting help is also receiving kindness. To her, hope means looking beyond current struggles and believing in future possibilities, supported by faith in herself and her care team.

Though her life has changed dramatically, Juli values the new perspectives, deeper compassion, and strong community she’s gained. Her message to others is to find strength within and embrace the love, faith, and teamwork that fuel recovery.

In her portrait

  • Drew Oswald (physical therapist): He focused on helping her walk and regain strength.
  • Jasmine Mims (occupational therapist): She assisted her in relearning daily tasks and regaining independence.
  • Kate Anderson (physical therapist): She helped her with transfers and moving again.
  • Tyler Crouch (nurse): He provided essential daily care and support during the early, most critical phase.
Five people pose together, smiling warmly. Three are seated, including an older woman in the center, with two younger men and two women, one standing behind and one seated, all casually dressed against a blue studio backdrop.
A smiling older woman with short, wavy blonde hair and black glasses stands against a blue background, wearing a light blouse and a beige shawl draped over her shoulders.
A smiling woman with short blond hair, glasses, and a beige cardigan stands closely with a smiling man in a tan shirt against a blue background. They appear happy and comfortable together.
Left image: Drew, Katie, Jasmine, Juli (center), and Tyler; Top right image: Juli; Bottom right image: Juli and Drew